SoCal kids & families, Sept. 12-19: Fiestas Patrias Festival & Parade, ‘Disney Jr. Live, NHM’s Spider Pavilion and more
SoCal kids & families, Sept. 12-19: Fiestas Patrias Festival & Parade, ‘Disney Jr. Live, NHM’s Spider Pavilion and more
Fun, artsy and family friendly events and activities in LA and OC this coming weekend and beyond
Welcome to a new edition of TV or Not TV’s curated guide to artsy, kid-centric and family-friendly events, activities and happenings all around LA and OC this weekend and beyond. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for arts & entertainment at the Los Angeles Times.
Let’s have some fun!
Fiestas Patrias Festival and Parade This weekend-long celebration of the OC’s Hispanic and Latino communities returns with live entertainment by Mariachi Los Reyes, Marisol Terrazas, et al., plus vendor booths, cultural exhibitors, etc. — all for free. And for additional charges, you can ride the carnival rides and/or enjoy food and drink in a pop-up beer garden. Downtown Santa Ana Historic District on 4th Street, Santa Ana. Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, noon to 10 pm. Sunday, Sept. 14-15. Free. Performance schedules, information on Sunday’s parade route and more can be found at santa-ana.org
‘Cartoon Jamboree’ What’s up, doc? Bugs Bunny, Tom & Jerry and other beloved cartoon characters return to the screen in a program of vintage Oscar-winning shorts hosted by animation historian Jerry Beck. Old Town Music Hall, 140 Richmond St., El Segundo. 2:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. $10, $12. (310) 322-2592. oldtownmusichall.org
The 78th Annual East LA Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival Iconic Mexican wrestler “El Hijo del Santo” will serve as grand marshal for this year’s edition of the illustrious procession, which will also includes floats, marching bands, equestrians, etc. Then, stick around for a street fair featuring live music and dance performances, lucha libre wrestling and more. 1st St and S. Mednik Ave., East Los Angeles. Parade: 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 15; festival: 11 a.m. Free. Performance schedules, information on Sunday’s parade route and more can be found at eastla-parade.com
‘LA Voices: Sundays at The Ebell’ This monthly arts series kicks off its new season with a community open house with guided tours of the campus (including the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre), information booths, and live performances by the Ebell Chorale and all-female mariachi ensemble Las Colibrí. The Ebell of Los Angeles, 4400 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15. Free; RSVP appreciated. ebellofla.org
‘¡Fiesta!’ with Bob Baker Marionette Theater The LA Soundscapes series of family friendly shows continues with an updated version of the troupe’s classic puppet show. The Ford, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd E., Hollywood. 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 15. $10. (323) 850-2000. theford.com
Spider Pavilion Oh, what a tangled web! Get up close and personal with the creepiest and crawliest when this educational encounter with all things arachnid returns for another season. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A. Closed the first Tuesday each month. $10, plus general admission ($7-$18; ages 2 and younger, free; advanced online tickets highly recommended). nhm.org
‘Disney Jr. Live on Tour: Let’s Play’ Mickey, Spidey and more of your wee ones’ favorite Disney characters come to life in a new edition of this touring stage show. Segerstrom Center’s Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17. $30 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
Also at Fred Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18. $45 and up. (805) 449-2787. bapacthousandoaks.com
‘Cinderella Story’ Pacific Opera Project celebrates the music from the myriad stage and screen adaptations of the classic fairytale in this family-friendly revue. Kings Road Park, 1000 Kings Road, West Hollywood. 4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays thru Sept 22. Free. pacificoperaproject.com
‘Hallowe’en Spooktacular’ Get a jump on the spooky season with the return of this not-at-all scary favorite. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 4949 York Blvd., Highland Park. 10:30 a.m., 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays; 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sundays; other days, dates and times, Sept. 7 thru Nov. 10; sensory-friendly version, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. $25; ages 2 and under, free. (213) 250-9995. bobbakermarionettetheater.com
‘My Penguin Friend’ A lonely fisherman from Brazil rescues and then bonds with an injured penguin, forging a lifelong connection, in this heartwarming 2024 tale starring Jean Reno and based on a true story. Various theaters, showtimes and prices. 97 mins. Rated PG. mypenguinfriend.com
‘Wendy’s Peter Pan’ Outdoor staging of Ellen Geer’s reimaginging of J.M. Barrie’s fantasy tale. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Various dates and times thru Oct. 4. $15-$60. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.com